Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins announced on Monday he will run for governor in hopes of succeeding term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis appointed Collins to serve as lieutenant governor in August. “I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites. I served over 23 years in the United States military, mainly as a Green Beret, where accountability is real, decisions have consequences, and service comes before self,” Collins said. “That experience shaped how I lead and why I believe public office is a public trust,” he added. I’m running for Governor because leadership is forged under pressure, not in soundbites. I served over 23 years in the United States military, mainly as a Green Beret, where accountability is real, decisions have consequences, and service comes before self. That experience shaped… — Jay Collins (@JayCollinsFL) January 12, 2026 Fox News has more: The lieutenant governor, who previously served as a state senator, is jumping into a GOP gubernatorial primary that also features contenders including Trump-backed candidate U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner and James Fishback. Collins name-dropped the current governor in his statement on Monday. “We chose to make Florida home for my family because it stands for freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility. In the Legislature and as Lieutenant Governor, I’ve worked alongside Governor Ron DeSantis to deliver results and advance a bold, conservative agenda. I did not come to chase headlines. I came to deliver results. Standing with law enforcement. Protecting communities. And to keep Florida strong,” he noted. Collins indicated that as governor he would be a “strong partner” for President Donald Trump. With Trump’s endorsement, Donalds is the overwhelming favorite to win the GOP primary. The House Republican has dominated early polls. Lmao Trump-endorsed @ByronDonalds is crushing the competition. It’s not even close. https://t.co/2IN47tBL91 pic.twitter.com/UfuKD6cKrb — Alex Bruesewitz (@alexbruesewitz) November 14, 2025 CBS News shared further: In a response to Collins entering the race, Ryan Smith, the chief campaign strategist for Donalds, said “anyone running against Byron is an anti-Trump RINO and will be soundly defeated in the Republican primary.” Smith also contended that Donalds is the only candidate who will be able to unite Republicans, as Gov. Ron DeSantis is barred by term limits from running again in November. Collins represented a Hillsborough County district in the state Senate before he was named lieutenant governor in August by DeSantis. Earlier Monday, DeSantis indicated he was unaware of Collins’ plans. “Jay’s a good guy. He served this country admirably as a Green Beret. He has a great conservative record in the Florida Senate,” DeSantis said during an appearance in Davie. “I don’t know what he’s going to announce or not announce. You know, my role, obviously, I’m focused on the State of the State (address, which will be given Tuesday) and some other things. If I get involved in the primary, you know, you’ll know it. It’ll be at a time and place of my choosing, and so we’ll see.” When he made the lieutenant governor appointment, DeSantis praised Collins for supporting issues such as combating illegal immigration and revamping election laws, while also calling him a “warrior” for assisting rescue workers in areas of the state hit by hurricanes and participating in efforts to rescue Floridians in Israel. “I think he’s been one of the most productive senators we have had in modern Florida history,” DeSantis said in August. “And on all the big issues, he not only was an ally of mine, he was standing up for you.” The lieutenant governor position had been vacant since February when Jeanette Nuñez — DeSantis’ 2018 and 2022 running mate — was named interim president of Florida International University. She was later named president.